South African Veterinary Association

18/12/2024

End of Year Safety Recap

is a deadly disease for humans and animals, but it is 100% preventable. Follow these simple steps to stay safe during the festive season:

* Stay Informed About Rabies

Recognise that rabies is a serious, often fatal virus that affects both animals and humans.

* Observe Seal Behaviour from a Distance

Avoid close contact with seals, even if they appear calm, if you see seals behaving erratically, contact local authorities to report the sighting. Avoid approaching the animal yourself.

* Never Touch or Feed Seals or Stray Dogs

Refrain from touching, feeding, or attempting to help any seals or stray dogs, especially if they appear sick or injured.

* Supervise Children and Pets Closely

Ensure children understand to avoid approaching seals and stray dogs and to admire them from afar.

* Know What to Do if Bitten or Scratched

Wash the wound immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes then seek medical attention promptly and inform healthcare providers that the injury may involve exposure to . Early intervention is crucial.

* Stay Cautious During Outdoor Festivities

Enjoy coastal activities and wildlife responsibly. Following these steps ensures a safe and memorable festive season for everyone.

This campaign is brought to you by VTech Veterinary Pharmacies



Image credit: CapeNature

13/12/2024

During Festive Season and beyond

Enjoy our beautiful coastline while staying cautious! Admire Cape fur seals from a distance to avoid any risk of exposure.

This campaign is brought to you by VTech Veterinary Pharmacies



Image credit: CapeNature, Scott N Ramsay

12/12/2024

The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) has noted recent statements made by an individual regarding rabies. While we respect the right to share opinions, we cannot condone the dissemination of misinformation, particularly on a subject as critical and life-threatening as rabies.

As a professional body committed to protecting public and animal health, we urge the public to rely on accurate, evidence-based information from qualified experts. Spreading false information not only undermines efforts to combat rabies but also endangers lives.

Please note that any future instances of sharing false or misleading information on this platform will result in the individual being removed or blocked from the page to ensure that this remains a trusted source of accurate information.

Thank you!

Send a message to learn more

11/12/2024

Pet Safety Matters

Keep dogs leashed on the beach, and never allow them to approach seals or dogs you don’t know. can spread to pets, so ensure that their rabies vaccinations are up to date.

This campaign is brought to you by VTech Veterinary Pharmacies



Image credit: CapeNature

09/12/2024

If Bitten, Act Fast

Seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten, scratched or licked by a seal, dog or any animal that is aggressive or behaving abnormally. Inform health professionals about the potential exposure.

This campaign is brought to you by VTech Veterinary Pharmacies



Image credit: GARC

06/12/2024

06/12/2024

Avoid Contact with Seals

is spread mainly through bites, scratches and saliva. Always observe Cape fur seals from a safe distance, do not approach or touch them. Protect yourself and others.

This campaign is brought to you by VTech Veterinary Pharmacies



Image credit: CapeNature

04/12/2024

Dog Behaviour to watch out for

Dogs may show symptoms like aggression, disorientation, excess saliva, continuous howling or weakness. If you notice any dogs acting abnormally, please keep your distance and report to local authorities.

This campaign is brought to you by VTech Veterinary Pharmacies



Image credit: GARC

02/12/2024

Seal Behaviour to watch out for....

Cape fur seals may show symptoms like aggression, disorientation, weird movements or weakness. If you notice any seals acting abnormally, please keep your distance and report to local authorities.

This campaign is brought to you by VTech Veterinary Pharmacies



Image credit: CapeNature

29/11/2024

High risk areas

occurs in all nine provinces and rabies in dogs is very common in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Limpopo.

Stay away from stray animals, and do not pick up or take home animals you don’t know.

This campaign is brought to you by VTech Veterinary Pharmacies



Image credit: DoA

27/11/2024

Alert in Cape fur seals

is endemic in South Africa and has recently been confirmed in Cape fur seals. Be aware and informed this season to keep yourself, loved ones, and pets safe. Avoid getting close to seals and be vigilant.

This campaign is brought to you by V-Tech Pharmacies SA



Image credit: CapeNature

21/11/2024

28/09/2024

It is the 18th !

Let us rally together to break boundaries and

You can contribute to by vaccinating your dogs and cats and sharing rabies information with those you love.



Comment with your thoughts on 😊

This campaign is brought to you by .

Image credit: GARC

27/09/2024

Breaking boundaries - This advice can save your life.

Rabies is a deadly disease with no cure. It can be transmitted to people by an infected animal’s bite, scratch, or lick.

If a person is bitten, scratched or licked by an animal suspected to have rabies (an unvaccinated animal showing odd behaviour or neurological symptoms), the person needs to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and seek medical attention immediately.

Post-exposure prophylaxis treatment will involve a series of rabies vaccinations and rabies immunoglobulin being injected into the wound (if the skin has been broken).

While rabies is 99,9% fatal once a person or animal shows clinical signs, it is also 100% preventable.

This campaign is brought to you by .

25/09/2024

Breaking boundaries - Together, against rabies.

Remember that any mammal can become infected with rabies – this includes pets, wildlife, livestock and humans. Wildlife species that can also host rabies include jackals, foxes, mongooses and recently, seals.

Animal rabies occurs in all nine provinces, with dog rabies cycles mainly concentrated in the eastern parts of the country (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape provinces and the eastern Free State border with Lesotho). Dogs and cats are often moved between provinces by travellers, workers, or holiday-goers, which can easily cause a spillover of rabies to any area if these animals are unvaccinated and incubating the disease.

If your dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies, they form a protective barrier for your family and protect you. The same is true if everyone in your community ensures that their dogs and cats are vaccinated.

This campaign is brought to you by .

23/09/2024

Breaking boundaries - Vaccinated pets save lives.

Did you know that rabies occurs in all South African provinces? Every pet owner must have their dogs and cats vaccinated to protect both humans and animals against rabies.

The first rabies vaccine is given at 12 weeks (three months) of age, followed by a booster vaccination between one and 12 months later. Thereafter, a booster is required every three years. In high-risk areas, annual vaccination is strongly advised!

Enquire with your local state veterinarian, animal health technician, private veterinarian, or welfare organisation.

This campaign is brought to you by .




Images credit: Afrivet

02/09/2024

28 September is !

The theme for this year is: “Breaking Boundaries”.

Remember all mammals can get infected by rabies. The common signs of rabies are: Changes in behaviour and neurological symptoms, which may include the following signs: Excessive salivation, paralysis, inability to swallow, continuous vocalisation, convulsions, aggressiveness, or non-responsive behaviour.

Report any suspected rabid animals immediately to your state or private veterinarian, animal health technician or the police.

Are your dogs and cats up to date with their rabies vaccinations? Protect them and you!

This campaign is brought to you by .



Image credit: GARC

27/04/2024

Happy World Veterinary Day from the South African Veterinary Association! 🐾

Today, we salute our dedicated veterinarians as essential health workers, tirelessly ensuring the health and happiness of animals and humans alike.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment!

PR campaign proudly sponsored by V-Tech Pharmacies SA